GB News has launched across TV and online with a special programme hosted by chairman and veteran broadcaster Andrew Neil.
The channel, positioned as a rival to the news and current affairs offerings on the likes of BBC and Sky, opened with Welcome To GB News, an hour-long introduction to the presenting line-up.
And we are off! @GBNEWS #GBNews pic.twitter.com/uKmMb9Dojq
— Sir Trouser-Ruffles (@TrouserRuffles) June 13, 2021
Former BBC political interviewer Neil told viewer that GB News would cover “the stories that matter to you and those that have been neglected” and would deliver “a huge range of voices that reflect the views and values of our United Kingdom”.
He added: “GB News will not slavishly follow the existing news agenda. We are not a rolling news channel nor will we be providing conventional news bulletins. But on all of our programmes and platforms you will always know what is going on and what the country is talking about.
“GB News will not be another echo chamber for the metropolitan mindset that already dominates so much of the media. It is our explicit aim to empower those who feel their stories, their opinions, their concerns have been ignored or diminished. We are proud to be British. The clue is in the name.”
“We are proud to be British” says #GBNews founder Andrew Neil.
— Sam Bright (@WritesBright) June 13, 2021
Every single one of GB News’ major shareholders is based outside Great Britain
High profile signings
The network has announced a raft of high profile signings, including former Sky Sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher, ex-BBC presenter Simon McCoy and former ITV presenter Alastair Stewart.
Ahead of the launch, Piers Morgan voiced his support for Neil and GB News’ chief executive officer Angelos Frangopoulos on Twitter.
He wrote: “Good luck to my old mucker @afneil and to @frangopoulos & the whole team on the launch of @GBNEWS tonight.
“Great to see a new TV news network on the airwaves & already making waves.”
This is @afneil. Welcome To GB News pic.twitter.com/rgvZIrNRER
— GB News (@GBNEWS) June 13, 2021
Piers Morgan
Following his departure from Good Morning Britain, reports have suggested Morgan could be another addition to the GB News line-up with Neil saying “any network worth its salt” could find a role for him.
With studios located in Paddington, west London, GB News will broadcast seven days a week across the UK and Ireland and will be available globally on digital platforms.
On Friday, the network also announced plans to launch a national radio service as early as next month through a proposed deal with telecommunications company Arqiva.
The launch will be followed by a programme hosted by former executive editor for The Sun Dan Wootton and is scheduled to feature guests including Lord Alan Sugar and Nigel Farage.
Reaction
The channel has received a mixed reaction in the early aftermath.
Here’s what people had to say:
Bold choice to film it on a Nokia 3310 https://t.co/DafsQxnQvo
— Alan White (@aljwhite) June 13, 2021
Woah, #GBNews is budget. Like, really budget. It looks like an amateur student production. What have they pissed all their money on?
— Owen Jones 🌹 (@OwenJones84) June 13, 2021
#GBNews looks hilariously budget
— James McManus (@JamesMcManus1) June 13, 2021
Also why is it being broadcast from inside a giant PS4? pic.twitter.com/lJqmUflE0K
I hope @GBNEWS gets a decent chance …. we need a shake up on the News front . May it keep all the other News providers on their toes. I have huge respect for TV news but this is a reminder that News is not just Westminster or a constant woke agenda.
— Eamonn Holmes (@EamonnHolmes) June 13, 2021
Who’ll be joining me giving #GBNews a miss tonight?
— 🔶Jonathan Banks🔶 💙Parliamentary spokes RNP (@Jonathan_MBanks) June 13, 2021
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